BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Strength (Mark of Nexus #1) by Carrie Butler

Strength by Carrie Butler

Series: Mark of Nexus #1 
Publication: March 7th 2013
by Sapphire Star Publishing 
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:
When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.

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AUTHOR BIO

Carrie daydreamed her way through college—until they thrust a marketing degree into her hands, slapped a summa cum laude seal on the corner, and booted her out into a less-than-stellar job market. Instead of panicking at the prospect of unemployment, she used her Midwestern logic to steer into the skid and point her life in the direction she really wanted to go: writing out those daydreams.

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My Thoughts:

It was all I could do to suppress a shiver as the warmth of his breath danced over my skin, his scent clouding the air between us. God, it smelled so familiar, like the air before a downpour.

The word around campus is that Wallace Blake is a madman. And if the strange noises that come from his room each night are any indication then those rumours are true. But when Rena Collins runs into Wallace in the hall she is shocked to see that he is incredibly gorgeous, as well as considerate and caring. So Rena sets out to find out a bit more about Wallace. In the process she discovers that not only are the rumours about Wallace completely crazy, but she really enjoys his company and finds herself opening up to him as they spend more time together.

But Rena learns that Wallace has secrets. For one, why does he clam up whenever there is a mention of his twin brother Cole? After overhearing a conversation between the brothers, Rena becomes embroiled in the supernatural world that she never imagined actually existed!!

I can't begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Everything flowed so perfectly. There was the exact right amount of romance, heat, supernatural, mystery and Humour.

"See, this is what I like," Cole interjected with a laugh, dusting himself off. "One second she's all timid and then reeoowr! Hellcat."

Rena is a kick ass character. She is gutsy, spirited witty and outspoken about what she believes in. But she also had moments of vulnerability. She is compassionate and caring and I think once she cares about you, she is in for the long haul. I loved the relationship that she had with her roommate Gabby. They were hysterical together!! There were quite a few times that I laughed so hard that I had tears rolling down my cheeks.

Wallace is such a complex character. He has, and continues to endure so much. There were times that my heart ached for him and what he has gone without throughout his life. He carries a heavy burden on his shoulders and keeps people at arms length. But he didn't count on Rena's determination and the extent of the feelings that they share for each other.

So help me, as long as I live, I'll never get tired of seeing that man shirtless.

I adored the romance between Rena and Wallace. There was no instant love but a relationship built on friendship first. But when things heat up between the two of them, boy do they heat up!!! The moments that they shared together were wonderful. Bt there are plenty of obstacles for them to overcome.

I also have to make mention of the book cover and title of the book. They were another perfect aspect of the whole reading experience. They just fit the story to a tee. But to be honest I really can't find fault with anything related to Strength. It was a near flawless read for me. I was anything but happy the few times that I had to put it down and stick my head into the real world. It's definitely a book that I will read again and cannot wait for the next book!!!

5/5 Swoony Wallace Stars!!

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